Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation has granted international status to 36 public airports nationwide to strengthen trade, tourism, and economic growth. Airports must comply with safety, security, and service requirements, including the establishment of immigration, customs, and quarantine facilities before commencing international operations. Further, the airports have six months to complete necessary documentation and approvals, with status reviews to be conducted at least every two years.
Additionally, three special-purpose airports — Sultan Syarief Haroen Setia Negara (Riau), Weda Bay (North Maluku), and Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (Central Sulawesi) — have been cleared for limited international flights related to medical evacuation, disaster response, and industrial cargo. Bersujud Airport (South Kalimantan) will also operate internationally after meeting compliance requirements.
The move underscores Indonesia’s strategy to expand its international aviation network, ensuring all airports handling overseas flights adhere to national laws and technical standards through coordinated oversight among defence, customs, immigration, and quarantine authorities.